WHAT IS THE COST

INTRODUCTION

What is the cost is the attributing factor to the success, or failure, of any action undertaken with a path that appears inviting but is not always the best or righteous way. Scripture reveals: There is a way which seems right to a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 15:12).

Scripture gives a perfect example in revealing that Lot (the nephew of Abraham) lifted up his eyes and behold all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere; Lot chose all the plain of Jordan and dwell in the cities of the plain, pitching his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:10-12). 

The fallacy of such is recorded:  The men of Sodom were wicked and sinners (sinful) before the Lord exceedingly (Genesis 13:13).  Sodom was known for its wickedness; with the title of this message “What is the Cost” amply illustrated by Lot with his choice to dwell there.

What is the Cost
Lot in Sodom

Sodom is mentioned numerous times throughout God’s Word in reference to wickedness.  The attractiveness of the plain of Jordan, being well watered, was important to any herdsman, a reason that first drew Lot towards his choice, only later to find himself in the midst of the wickedness of Sodom.

The Apostle Peter vividly portrayed “What is the Cost” in his descriptive narrative of the fate of Lot in Sodom, in writing: God delivered just Lot, vexed (oppressed) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked; for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed (tormented) his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful (sinful) deeds (2 Peter 2:7-8).

Peter identified the fate of Sodom, in writing: God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (and other cities of the plain) into ashes condemned them with an overthrow (destruction), making them an example to those that afterward should live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6). Scripture reveals that Lot, and his family, were delivered by the hand of God (divine intervention) thanks to Lot’s Uncle, Abraham’s intercession (Genesis 18:23).

Ungodliness Flaunted

What is the cost of residing in an environment similar to Lot is that the attraction of such may cause one to linger as reported of Lot just prior to deliverance (Genesis 19:16) or his wife having looked back at the destruction, after being delivered (Genesis 19:26), despite a warning not to do so. 

In our modern day setting the attraction towards sinful attributes are amply displayed through the Internet and other electronic devices readily available to all who desire or are tempted to participate. A secular society has evolved that has forsaken past godly instruction with the allowance of immoral and sinful mannerisms as a replacement. It was noted that sin will take you where you never intended to go, keep you longer than you intended to stay, and cost you more than you intended to pay.

The enemy of one’s soul, Satan, will enhance the attractiveness of sin, as he did Eve, through the serpent as a tool of deception, in the Garden of Eden.  Scripture reveals that Eve upon seeing that the forbidden fruit (forbidden by God) was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired of, she did eat, and gave to her husband (Adam), and he did eat (Genesis 3:6).  Ungodliness today is being openly proclaimed, and accepted, through displaying its appetizing features rather than exposing the cost for having partaken.

Counting the Cost

The Apostle Paul wrote: Being freed from sin, we become servants (dedicated) to God, with our fruit (the result) unto holiness and the end everlasting life (Romans 6:22). He then elaborated on the cost of continuation of sin without repentance: The wages of sin is death (spiritual and physical); but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:22-23). 

It was noted that people who die in their sin (in an unsaved state) will have to face a second death portrayed as a lake of fire (Revelation 20:15), a literal burning hell from which there is no escape, except to receive the gift of eternal life through repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ before death.

An Inner Struggle

Apostle Paul identified an inner struggle, in writing: I delight in the law of God after (according) to the inward (spiritual) man; but I see another law (fleshly desires) in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members (body).  He cried out: O wretched man that I am; who shall deliver me from the body of this death (Romans 7:22-24)?

Paul acknowledged who His Deliverer was: I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin (Romans 7:25).  Paul’s desperation was eased through acknowledgement of who his deliver was.  Paul was able to testify: Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; and shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:17-18). We, as believers, have that assurance as well.

Attraction of Ungodliness

There is the constant promoting of the gaiety of ungodly lifestyles as healthy and desirable because of the profitability of its promotion. Failure to promote the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God has been a factor in its continued growth. “What is the Cost” is unknown, or ignored, as an avalanche of ungodliness is readily available through electronics, and other means, as attractive to both adults and youth alike.

Scripture reveals: This is the condemnation that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil; every one that does evil hates the light (exposing the evilness of man), neither comes to the light (repentance), that his deeds (evil) should be reproved (exposed) (John 3:19-20). 

Loss of Recognition

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. But we have forgotten God (Abraham Lincoln). What is the cost of any nation who has placed God in the background rather than the forefront? Has God removed His hedge of protection and provision (Isaiah 5:5-6)? Thank God He is a merciful God and has made an avenue for return to Him.

Scripture reveals: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face (forgiveness), and turn from their wicked ways (having forsaken Him), then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal (restore) their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  It was noted that while this promise was originally given to King Solomon, regarding the people of Israel, it is applicable to all who will call on the Lord in repentance and faith.

A Disciple of Christ

Jesus asked, which of you, intending to build a tower sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it (Luke 28).  It was noted that taking up the profession of Christ and the Gospel is like building a tower; to be done with thoughtfulness, care, and prudence, bearing in mind “What is the Cost” which is a call of self-denial, loss of former carnal relation with others, and being exposed to the scorn and rage of the world.

Jesus said: Whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27).  There are many allurements towards worldliness and earthly gain; making it especially important to remain steadfast and unmovable in one’s commitment to Christ. Apostle Paul wrote: Be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain (futile) in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Salvation of the Soul

Scripture reveals: God so loved the world (you and I), that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; that that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16-17). Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under Heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

What is the cost is losing out to eternal life and a heavenly gain. Apostle John wrote of two alternatives: He that believes on the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (John 3:36).  Scripture reveals: It is appointed to men once to die (an earthly death) but after this the judgment (either Heaven or Hell) (Hebrews 9:27).

Apostle John wrote: I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book as opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written the books, according to their works (Revelation 20:12); and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Hell) (Revelation 3:15). The choice lies with each individual as to their final destination (either Heaven or Hell).  Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late.

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